7.3prequalification limits

AISC 358-22, Prequalified Connections for Special and Intermediate Steel Moment Frames for Seismic Applications

Last Updated 29 Oct 2026

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7.3.1 Beam Limitations

Beams shall satisfy the following limitations:

(1) Beams shall be rolled wide-flange or built-up I-shaped members conforming to the requirements in Section 2.3.
(2) Beam depth shall be limited to a maximum of W36 (W920) for rolled shapes. Depth of built-up sections shall not exceed the depth permitted for rolled wide-flange shapes.
(3) Beam weight shall be limited to a maximum of 150 lb/ft (220 kg/m).
(4) Beam flange thickness shall be limited to a maximum of 1 in. (25 mm).
(5) The clear span-to-depth ratio of the beam shall be limited as follows:
(a) For SMF systems, 9 or greater.

(b) For IMF systems, 7 or greater.

(6) Width-to-thickness ratios for the flanges and web of the beam shall conform to the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions.
(7) Lateral bracing of beams shall be provided as follows:

Lateral bracing of beams shall conform to the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions. To satisfy the requirements of AISC Seismic Provisions Chapter E for lateral bracing at plastic hinges, supplemental lateral bracing shall be provided at both the top and bottom beam flanges, and shall be located a distance of $d$ to $1.5 d$ from the bolt farthest from the face of the column. No attachment of lateral bracing shall be made within the protected zone.

Exception: For both SMF and IMF systems, where the beam supports a concrete structural slab that is connected along the beam span between protected zones with welded shear connectors spaced at a maximum of 12 in. (300 mm) on center, supplemental top and bottom flange bracing at plastic hinges is not required.

(8) The protected zone consists of the flange plates and the portion of the beam between the face of the column and a distance equal to one beam depth, d, beyond the bolt farthest from the face of the column.

7.3.2 Column Limitations

Columns shall satisfy the following limitations:

(1) Columns shall be any of the rolled wide-flange shapes or built-up shapes permitted in Section 2.3.
(2) The beam shall be connected to the flange of the column.
(3) Rolled shape column depth shall be limited to W36 (W920) maximum when a concrete structural slab is provided. In the absence of a concrete structural slab, the rolled shape column depth is limited to W14 (W360) maximum. Flanged cruciform columns shall not have a width or depth greater than the depth allowed for rolled shapes. Built-up box columns shall not have a width or depth exceeding 24 in. (600 mm). Boxed wide-flange columns shall not have a width or depth exceeding 24 in. (600 mm), if participating in orthogonal moment frames.
(4) There is no limit on weight per foot of columns.
(5) There are no additional requirements for flange thickness.
(6) Width-to-thickness ratios for the flanges and web of columns shall conform to the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions.
(7) Lateral bracing of columns shall conform to the requirements of the AISC Seismic Provisions.